By:
• Torn Chanritheara

• September 4, 2024 , 5:15 PM

PHNOM PENH – China will provide two specifically built warships to Cambodia to enhance national defense, maritime security and support humanitarian mission, the Ministry of National Defense said.

Ministry Undersecretary of State and spokesperson Maly Socheata said Cambodia had requested the warships from China and delivery would take place next year or later.

It will be the first time Beijing has provided such warships and comes as the countries strengthen cooperation in all fields under the Diamond Hexagon framework.

RFA reported on August 28 that China’s military will hand over two Type 056A missile corvettes to the Royal Cambodian Navy along with naval facilities. This type has docked at Ream Naval Base in Preah Sihanouk province.

However, Socheata identified the expected warships as Type 056C. They are to be specifically built for Cambodia. 

“Regarding the construction progress of the Ream Naval Command, we have already completed the first phase and we will continue the second phase, with plans to complete this work in the near future,” she said.

The Type 056 corvette has a displacement of 1,300 tonnes and has a 76-millimeter caliber rapid-fire gun, two 30-millimeter guns, two double-barrel YJ-83 anti-ship missile launchers, two triple-barrel 324-millimeter caliber torpedo launchers, and an eight-barrel HQ-10A air defense missile system. 

It also has a helicopter deck which allows a Z-9-sized helicopter to dock. Cambodia operates several Z-9s.

The vessel entered service with China’s People’s Liberation Army’s Navy in 2013. It is suited for maritime patrol and surveillance, protection of exclusive economic zones and search and rescue operations. The Type 056A has an anti-submarine capability.

Socheata said that the provision of ships from China at the request of Cambodia is solely to strengthen Cambodia’s capacity and ability to protect and maintain peace, stability and security and support search and rescue operations as well as humanitarian activities.

She said Cambodia has received a lot of support from other countries, such as training and the provision of equipment and that the country welcomes all parties with a sincere wish to help.

Cambodia has been accused of allowing the Chinese Navy to exclusively use its base off Preah Sihanouk province, an allegation it has denied repeatedly. The base is under development with assistance from China including a new deep-water pier.

Socheata cited the Constitution that prohibits hosting foreign military bases on its territory. Nor does the country send troops to take part in conflicts abroad. It has denied explicitly that the Chinese military will be allowed to be stationed at Ream base.

“In addition to participating in world peacekeeping through the UN’s peacekeeping operations, Cambodia does not allow cooperation with any partner, no matter how large scale it is, to violate its Constitution, especially to the detriment of sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence,” Socheata said.

Chhum Chantha contributed to the story.